Zachary, a Top 20 name for over 10 years, is now dropping in the ratings. But with its ancient roots and modern feel, you can understand why Zachary has been such a longtime winner.

Sir Elton John chose Zachary for his long-awaited first child, which may help propel it back into the spotlight. But contemporary parents might want to keep looking for more original alternatives. Variations such as Zachariah and Zacharias may have longer beards but at the same time feel fresher, while other Z names -- from Zebedee to Zane -- may suit parents whose main attraction is to the initial Z.

The name Zachary is attached to eight different people in the Bible, the most prominent being the father of John the Baptist, and it's also presidential, via 12th prez Zachary Taylor. The Zackery spelling is used too, as are the nicknames Zach and Zak. In fact, several of today's prominent Zacharys go by those short forms -- Zac Hanson, Zac Efron, Zach Galifianakis, Zach Braff and designer Zac Posen.

T. Poole Says:

Addie88 Says:

I love Zachary and it's default nickname Zack. It's not the cutting edge anymore, which means a Zachary today won't be one of three in his class. But it's still got that cool, youthful, contemporary quality that makes it relevant. Add these attributes to the fact that is in a genuine, "real" name with historical background and significance, rather than a shallow 21st century invention, and you're golden.